UA Cossatot will be offering self-defense classes for students and community members to take in August. These classes are broken up into different age groups for adults and children 7 years old and above.
The self-defense classes are broken up into 8-week courses that will be held two nights a week for each group. The 8-week self-defense courses will cost $80 for each person. There will be 16 class sessions, and each class will last for one hour. All courses will take place at UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus.
Adults 18 and up will meet for class on Monday and Thursday from 6 PM to 7 PM starting on August 5. Teenagers ages 15 to 17 will also meet on Monday and Thursday from 5 PM to 6 PM beginning on August 5.
Children who are interested in taking a self-defense course can meet for class on Tuesday and Friday at UA Cossatot starting on August 6. Kids ages 7 to 10 will meet for class from 5 PM to 6 PM, and kids ages 11 to 14 will meet from 6 PM to 7 PM.
Instructor, Daniel Griffin will teach all courses. Mr. Griffin has been training in martial arts since 1981. He is skilled in Karate, Aikido, Tae kwon do, boxing, American freestyle, submission wrestling, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has competed on the USA kickboxing team, fought in MMA bouts and has trained with the US Navy boxing team.
These classes will cover the basics of defending oneself and offer a social, active event for people in our area to participate in while learning new skills.
For more information or to register for a class, contact the Continuing Education Department at UA Cossatot. Their phone number is 870-584-4471.
Governor Asa Hutchinson Statement on the Death of Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephen
Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement on the death of Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephen, who was killed in the line of duty Thursday morning:
"It was heartbreaking to hear that Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephen was killed in the line of duty today. Deputy Stephen's death is a somber reminder that our law-enforcement officers risk their lives every day to protect ours. I am grateful for the men and women who willingly put their safety on the line every time they put on the uniform. My heart goes out to his wife and son, and to his fellow officers and friends in their grief at the tragic loss of Mike Stephen."
Governor Hutchinson ordered the state flag of Arkansas to fly at half-staff in honor of Deputy Stephen. The flag is to be flown at half-staff immediately through the day of interment.
In a related item, the Nashville Chapter of Arkansas Families of Fallen Officers will be giving a $5000 donation to the Stephen family to help with expenses. Anyone wishing to help with this effort can Contact Richard Curry of the AFFO at (870) 557-6813. or Timothy at (870) -681-1437, or Chantal at 557-5030.
Amber Morris and Aubrey Seymour Represent Arkansas 4-H
Two 4-H’ers from Sevier County were chosen as 4-H State Ambassadors this year. Amber Morris and Aubrey Seymour were chosen from kids all across the state of Arkansas to represent Arkansas 4-H. Before a youth can become an ambassador, they must first achieve several goals. They must show growth in their educational project, be an excellent speaker in front of large crowds, participate in county, district, and state level activities, prove they have above average leadership skills, mentor other youth, and do community service projects. The biggest accomplishment is being able to work outside of 4-H to better their community.
Amber Morris is the 16 year old daughter of Ronald and Kimberly Morris. With having this amazing opportunity, Amber feels like she can help others not only in our county, but all over the state. It also means that she will have the opportunity to spread 4-H opportunities to others.
Aubrey Seymour is the 15 year old daughter of Justin and Debbie Seymour. Aubrey hopes that while she is making today the best, she can make tomorrow even better. Aubrey also feels like this will give her the opportunity to promote and educate people about the 4-H program on a higher level than just Sevier County.
Both girls lead a community service project that benefits the Arkansas Children’s Hospital and are appreciative of the opportunity they have been given and hope to make a difference.
Stone County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Mike Stephen Killed in the Line of Duty
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the death of Stone County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Mike Stephen, who was killed in the line of duty today:
“Today, the State of Arkansas mourns the loss of a brave law-enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Mike Stephen protected the people of Stone County, standing as part of the thin blue line separating our communities from crime and chaos. I encourage all Arkansans to pray for and comfort his family, friends, and neighbors during this moment of loss.”
LITTLE ROCK – Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin issued the following statement on the death of Stone County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Stephen who died in the line of duty earlier today:
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephens during this tragic and difficult time. My heart also goes out to the Stone County Sheriff's Department as they grieve the loss of one of their own. Today's news is a mournful reminder to Arkansans of the risks our law enforcement officers face each and every day as they strive to make our communities safer."
De Queen Block Party July 23rd at Herman Dierks Park
De Queen Block Party Scheduled for Tuesday, July 23rd, at Herman Dierks Park in De Queen
Brad Wimpee Benefit Chicken Dinner at De Queen Auto Group Thursday
Several volunteers helped with the Brad Wimpee benefit chicken lunch at De Queen Auto Group Thursday
Benefit Golf Tournament for CASA at De Queen Country Club
De Queen Band Directors at Lions Club Meeting on Tuesday
Lion Murray Neely (pic 1) of De Queen Schools introduced both De Queen Leopard band leaders this year at Tuesday’s Lions Club Meeting in De Queen. Chris Richard (pic 2), 2nd year head band director, came to De Queen from Mt. Pleasant, TX. Alex Clark (pic 3) of Bee Branch, AR is first-year assistant band director. Clark recently graduated from the University of Arkansas and was a tuba player for the Arkansas Razorback Band. Kevin Williamson (pic 4) received a Lions Club membership pin at Tuesday's meeting.
Southwest Arkansas Devastated by Flood Waters
High Water Near Nashville Primary School
More Images and Video of Flood Waters in SW Arkansas
Floodwaters near the Nashville Fire Station and cemetery (Ed 88)
Flash Flooding in Nashville at Howard County Sheriff’s Department
Flash Flooding in Nashville
(Heather Hill Facebook Post) between Prescott and Blevins
(Heather Hill Facebook Post) Centerpoint
(Heather Hill Facebook Post) Dierks
Heather Hill Facebook Post
Barbie Baxter Facebook Post
Barbie Baxter Facebook Post
Barbie Baxter Facebook Post
Flood waters receding but still high near Nashville High School (Ed 88)
Flash Flooding Around the Dierks Area Tuesday Morning
Serious flash flooding across areas of Southwest Arkansas this morning (Mondi HIll - Dierks)
(Ernesto Echevarria Tuesday morning…) Please be carefu! Don't attempt to cross these flooded roads and highways. Highway 70 and Highway 278 are underwater.
(Santiago Soto…) More images from the flash flooding in the Dierks area. This pic is from the Weyerhaeuser mill.
(Kelly Comer)… Dierks area
Nashville Chamber Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday 07/16 at RooBungee
There will be a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting at RooBungee at 121 N. Main St. on Tuesday, July 16th, at the Wakefield's on Main building, formerly Tollett's Gifts. Melinda Bennett is inviting everyone to come see what RooBungee exercise can do for you. This is a totally new way to exercise with little stress on the body. Plus, they have a juice bar!! Hope to see you Tuesday morning from 9:30 til 11:00.
Mike Reese, Nashville Chamber President
Update from Arkansas State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The number of Arkansas children in foster care has fallen by more than 700 since reaching an all-time high in 2016. That information was part of an annual report presented a legislative committee this week.
On Tuesday, the Department of Human Services Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) presented its annual Family Preservation Report to the Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee.
The report outlines progress made and areas for improvement when it comes to the most vulnerable children in our state.
We learned from the report that the number of children in foster care declined by more than 10% during 2018. That is a decrease of 507 children.
Additional funding for DHS approved by the legislature in recent years has helped to increase the number of caseworkers and decrease the average worker caseload. As a result we are seeing children placed in permanent homes sooner and fewer children re-entering the foster care system.
Adoptions were finalized for 969 children in 2018, similar to the previous year and a 16% increase since 2016.
When it comes to areas for improvement, the report notes that the agency struggled to place children close to the homes from which they were removed. A total of 69% resided in either their home county or a neighboring county at the end of 2018, similar to previous years.
Children who are removed from their parents or guardian do better when placed with family members or people they know. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are often willing to help and make the child feel safe and loved. The percentage of children in care residing with relatives was 27–29% over the past three years. While this is well above the relative placement rate from years ago it is still below the aspiring goal of 33%.
The report breaks down all of the information by every county in the state. We will use this information to continue our efforts in creating policies to keep children in a safe and loving environment. We have posted this report on our website www.arkansashouse.org.
Sevier County Coalition to Host KETO Lunch-and-Learn
On Thursday, July 25, 2019, the Sevier County Coalition’s Live Well Sevier County Committee and UA Cossatot will be co-hosting a Lunch-n-Learn presentation about the ketogenic diet, more commonly known as the keto diet, at UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus. The presentation will begin at 12:00 noon in the Weyerhaeuser room, located in the Skilled Trades Building, and will conclude at 12:40 p.m.
Presenter Dr. Jason Lofton of De Queen will be explaining what keto is, the benefits it provides for one’s health, health risks associated with keto, and how to get started on the keto diet. Lofton says, “One of the most important things about the keto diet is that it is a diet that allows you to still eat good foods yet lose weight. I have learned how to cook and enjoy new foods, especially vegetables that I once didn’t enjoy eating.”
Lofton is the owner of Lofton Family Clinic and AMP Fitness. He attended UAMS in Little Rock and trained as a resident physician at the AHEC clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Upon completion of residency, he moved back to De Queen and has been a practicing physician in Sevier County since 2008.
When asked why he chose to return to Sevier County, Lofton said, “I am a native of De Queen. I graduated from De Queen High School before attending university. This is home. I’m committed to the health and revitalization of Sevier County and its citizens.”
All are invited to bring their lunch and join Dr. Lofton for this free event. For more on Lunch-and-Learn programs, visit the Sevier County Coalition website at www.seviercountycoalition.com or call UA Cossatot’s Continuing Education Services at (870) 584-4471
De Queen/Sevier County Chamber Ribbon Cutting Friday at Selenas in De Queen
De Queen Primary Registration
De Queen Primary will be opening it's doors on July 31st from 9-1 and 3-6 for registration. De Queen primary accommodates all students in grades kindergarten to 2nd grade. Even if you have already registered your student and filled out paper work it is still vital that you attend this registration. If you are registering your child for the first time to De Queen please bring your child's birth certificate, SS Card and proof of address. This will be a great time for your child to meet their teacher while also getting any questions answered and forms completed before school starts. Again it will be Wed, July 31st from 9-1 and 3-6. See You There!
Ashdown School News
Ashdown Elementary (kindergarten-second grade) will register new and returning students July 29th - August 1st from 8-2 and L.F. Henderson Intermediate (third-fifth grades) will register new and returning students July 29, 30, 31-August 1st from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. New students will need to bring shots records, birth certificate, and social security card. Students can meet their teachers on Thursday, August 8th from 2-7 p.m.
Ashdown Junior High students (grades 6-8) will begin registering new students in the district on August 1st. All returning students may come August 8th during Open House from 2:00 - 7:00 to update all registration paperwork and pick up their schedules. If you are unable to come during Open House, the AJHS Office will be open between 8-3:30 Monday-Thursday to make the updates after August 1st.
Ashdown High School students that are new to the district can begin registering on July 18th, returning students (grades 9-12) can register July 25th, 29th, 30th or 31st from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Any schedule change must be done during these days. Schedules can be picked up on Thursday, August 8th from 2-7 p.m.
District-Wide Open House/Meet the Teacher will be on Thursday, August 8th from 2-7 p.m. This will be held at the individual campuses.
Information has been posted for AJHS and AHS school supplies in local stores, as well as online at www.ashdownschools.org.
The Purple/Gold game will be on August 13th at 7 p.m. in Dick Hays Stadium. Come out and kick off the school year and football season by supporting our Panthers!
The first day of school for Ashdown Public Schools will be Tuesday, August 13th.
Ashdown Public Schools
Ashdown Public Schools is located in Ashdown, AR.
Southwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference Thursday at UAC
Nashville Native Woody Futrell to be Inducted into Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., (July 10, 2019) – The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation today announced legendary Arkansas journalist Rex Nelson will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 2019 Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame this August in Little Rock.
“The Arkansas outdoors are special to me,” Nelson said. “I grew up hunting and fishing in this state with a father who was an avid outdoorsman. Outside of its friendly, hard-working people, Arkansas' greatest assets are its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.”
Nelson will preside over the induction of four new members to the Hall, including plant naturalist MaryAnn King of London; Big Buck Classic founders Tommy III & Catherine Murchison of Cabot; boat manufacturer Woody Futrell of Nashville and duck habitat innovators the McCollum family of Stuttgart.
“This year’s inductees represent the best of Arkansas,” Nelson said. “These are people who understand our state, its history and its culture. They've done their part to ensure future generations share in that understanding.”
Nelson is one of Arkansas’s most high-profile writers and preeminent speakers. As senior editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, he writes three columns a week and essays for the cover of the newspaper's “Sunday Perspective” section. He's the author of three books including the first full-length biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton, a biography of Arkansas educator Ben Elrod and a collection of his essays on Arkansas. He's also the author of a popular blog, Rex Nelson's Southern Fried and makes regular television and radio appearances.
Among his many accolades are membership in the Arkansas Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame and Rural Advocate of the Year for the state of Arkansas, presented in 2016 by Governor Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission.
Nelson also served for almost a decade as the policy and communications director for Governor Mike Huckabee and then served for four years in the administration of President George W. Bush as one of two appointees to the Delta Regional Authority. He said the work of the AGFF, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and other organizations have played an integral part in preserving Arkansas’s wild spaces.
“My fondest memories are of quail hunting as a boy in Clark and Dallas counties,” Nelson said. “I salute the commission for its efforts to bring back the bobwhite, which I view as one of the top priorities for at least the next decade. The commission and foundation are ensuring that younger Arkansans will continue to enjoy the outdoor benefits that I enjoyed as a boy growing up in this state.”
“They also realize that it's not just about hunting and fishing anymore. The foundation and commission are providing opportunities for those who hike, for birdwatchers, etc. I hate to think what Arkansas would look like without the tens of thousands of acres protected by our wildlife management areas.”
“We’re delighted to have a Master of Ceremonies of Rex Nelson’s caliber,” said Deke Whitbeck, president of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. “He epitomizes the term ‘native son’ and a favored one at that. Attendees at the event are in for a real treat, benefiting from Rex’s incomparable knowledge of our state and its spaces.”
The 28th Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet is slated for Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Tickets for the event are $125 and tables of ten are available for $1,250 each. The night will include dinner, live and silent auctions and induction ceremony. The event is set to begin at 6pm.
Proceeds from the event support the year-around work of the Foundation, which helps introduce hundreds to the joy of the outdoors every year. AGFF’s mission supports Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) initiatives, particularly those aimed at getting young people unplugged and engaged in Arkansas’s outdoors.
Established in 1982, the Foundation is an independently operated 501c3 non-profit organization that serves as the fundraising adjunct to the AGFC. Its membership includes men and women who are passionate about promoting hunting, fishing and conservation education among the youth of Arkansas.
To purchase tickets to the event or for more information, contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation office at 501-223-6468 or email agff@agff.org.
18th Annual Mid-Summer Art Show July 18-20 in UAC in Ashdown
The Little River Arts Council announces July 18-20 as the dates for the 18th Annual Mid-Summer Art Show. Registration for artwork in adult (18 or over) and youth (8 thru 17) divisions will be Monday, July 15 between 1-6 p.m. at UA Cossatot, Hwy 71 N. in Ashdown. The displays will be open free to the public beginning on Thursday, July 18 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and close on Saturday, July 20 at 4 p.m., with a reception beginning at 2:30 and presentation of awards at 3:30.
Adult art categories include Abstract/Contemporary, Animal, Floral, Genre, Still Life, Portrait, Landscape, and 3-Dimensional, with an entry fee of $10 per entry. Awards in the adult categories will be Best of Show =$200, First Place = $125, Second Place = $85, Third Place = $60, and Honorable Mention = $30.
Youth art will be categorized by age groups: 8-9 years, 10-11 years, 12-13 years, 14-15 years, and 16-17 years. Youth entry fee is $1 per entry and awards will be Best of Show = $100, First Place = $40, Second Place = $30, Third Place = $20, and Honorable Mention = $10.
All Adult Show entries must be original, not previously entered in this show, no more than two years old, not larger that 3'x3', securely framed and wired for hanging, and dry (no wet paint). Youth entries must be matted or framed if on paper and wired for hanging if on stretched canvas with no saw tooth hangers or wet paint. No pieces larger than 3'x3' will be accepted.
All artwork must remain hanging until the closing of the show at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 20.
Little River Arts Council is excited to present the free art show to the public audience for the 18th year and encourages artists in the four-states area to participate. For further information, you may call 870-898-5200.
De Queen Leopard Cheer Team Attended UCA Cheer Camp
On June 10-12, the De Queen Leopard Cheer team attended UCA cheer camp. The cheer team received Superior awards and four of the cheerleaders received individual awards: Halley Gentry- Excellence award, Catherine Ousse- Jump award, Stacy Higgins- Most Improved award & Ana Marrufo- Best Attitude award. Six of the De Queen Leopard cheerleaders made the UCA All American Squad. The cheer team is coached by Shelly Gentry & Blaire Harp.
Team Photo- (pictured L-R)- front row: Kimberly Figueroa, Kimberly Delgado, Halley Gentry, Catherine Ousse, Lanie Hibbs & Ana Marrufo- back row: Ivette Gonzalez, Jinnefer Lagunas, Marlen Perez, Halle Harp, Carlee Helms, Edith Hernandez, Diana Ramirez & Stacy Higgins
All American Photo- (pictured L-R)- front row: Catherine Ousse, Halley Gentry & Kimberly Delgado- back row: Marlen Perez, Halle Harp & Carlee Helms